Luke 10:1-16
Parallel Account
There is no parallel account though there are similar instructions given to the Twelve Apostles when they are sent out on a similar mission.
Luke’s reason for recording
- 70/72 is most likely an allusion to the number of nations listed in Genesis.
- Most likely used to highlight the universal nature of Jesus’ salvation.
- Supports the idea that Jesus’ earthly ministry was coming to an end and the Gospel message needed to be preached to as many as possible.
Concerning the mission
- The potential for people’s response is great and so the need for laborers is great as well.
- However, the mission will not be easy and there will be opposition.
- The mission is urgent!
Today’s (Co)mission
- The potential is great.
- The danger is as real.
- The mission is as urgent!
What can keep us from the mission?
- Lack of companionship.
- With God.
- With others.
- Lack of security (which is a lack of faith).
- Fear of non-provision
- Fear of opposition
Lack of Companionship
- Lack of a companionship with God.
- Jesus commanded prayer.
- Jesus promised that if we pray according to the will of God he will respond. (John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:14).
- We need to pray specific prayers.
- Pray for your own involvement in evangelism and discipleship.
- Pray for the involvement of other servants in evangelism and discipleship.
- Lack of companionship with others.
- Jesus commanded to work in pairs.
- Jesus expects us to work together. (Matthew 18:20)
- Many commands concerning how we should interact with and help each other.
- Galatians 5:15
- Hebrews 10:24
- James 5:16
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
- Ephesians 4:16
- Man needs man so that there is…
- encouragement in the face of discouragement.
- help and accountability to stay on task.
- less distraction from more temptation when working alone.
- complementation when the strength and gifts of one are not enough.
Lack of Security
- Fear of non-provision.
- Jesus implies that needs will be taken care during the mission.
- Jesus promises us our needs will be met when we make the mission priority. (Matthew 6:33)
- Fear of opposition.
- Jesus instructs to look for those who will accept the message.
- We are not expected to bring unnecessary hardship upon ourselves.
- If someone does not accept the message we move on and look for someone who will.
The Transformation Expectation
- Jesus expects his servants to make the commission a priority.
- This involves sharing the good news and helping others grow in faith.
- Put aside the fears and trust in God to give what is required to do the mission.